This presentation was delivered at NADO's Annual Training Conference, held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 9-12, 2017. RDOs can play a variety of roles in ensuring a region has a skilled and engaged talent pool of workers. These efforts include spearheading training and workforce development programs, supporting educational and mentoring opportunities, and providing networking assistance and advice for job seekers. Learn what new programs have been established by RDOs across the country that are providing wide-ranging support to both local workers and employers, which in turn are making their regions more competitive and prosperous. Jenifer Buford, Community Development Director, East Central PDD, Newton, MS Lisa Hankins, REDI Director, Southwest Tennessee Development District, Jackson, TN Danna Stansbury, Deputy Executive Director, Land of Sky Regional Council, Asheville, NC Carol Jackson, Executive Director, Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council, Parkersburg, WV, Moderator

2. Why REDI???
https://youtu.be/5MtQGvEJ8Mo

3. 0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Percentage Unemployment Rate
REDI Region
Red Bar: March 2010 – Avg. 14.6% (State 10.8%)

4. Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
(Percentage of persons age 25+)
Red Bar: March 2010 – Avg. 10.5%
State – 19.6%
0
5
10
15
20
25

5. The Goal of REDI:
To create a public/private sector
partnership in West Tennessee to
address issues that effect job creation
and quality of life for its citizens

6. The REDI Region
REDI began with 11
counties..each
invested $15,000
Current REDI counties
(8): they provide full
funding of program

7. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
What is REDI?
 College Access program
- one-on-one mentoring with student (high school sr.)
utilizing paid college mentors housed in the 16 schools
working year round with students.
- official Partnering Organization for the State’s Tennessee
Promise scholarship program
 Workforce Investment program
- Deliver workforce investment services through the
American Job Centers in the 8 Southwest counties.

8. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
REDI Menu of Services
 Classroom Presentations and Club Participation
 One-on-one or Group Student-Mentor Time
 Parent Teacher Conference
 College Fairs, Summits, Visits
 College App Week
 FAFSA Filing Guidance/Assistance
 Scholarship Boot Camp
 College Simulations
 College Signing Days
 Future Choices and Last Dollar Scholarship

9. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
REDI Activities

10. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
Official Partnering Organization
for Tennessee Promise

11. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
Administer the Required
Components - TN Promise Program

12. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
Mentoring
 Mentors work with students on
the entire college exploration,
application and enrollment
process
 Financial Aid Assistance
 Informational meetings for
students and parents

13. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
College
Simulation
 Interactive, hands on exercise
simulating the first week of
college.
 20 minute days, 7 minute nights
 Students are given a profile and
are required to navigate
the various offices on campus and
perform activities

14. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
 Students are assigned to
a college and given
information about
admissions and tuition
for the school.
College
Simulation

15. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
College

16. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11

17. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11

18. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
College Signings

19. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
College Summits

20. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
Workforce Innovation &
Opportunity Act
 SWTDD became the One-Stop Operator for WIOA
July 1st.
 Responsible for 8 American Job Centers in the
Southwest Region.
 Administer services for Adults, Dislocated Workers, In and
Out of School Youth
 Administer the SCSEP (sr. community service
employment), RESEA (re-employment services & eligibility
assessment) and SNAP (supplemental nutrition
assistance) programs.

21. Visit our website for information
about WIOA Services.
www.westtennesseecareers.org

22. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
 Occupational Skills Training
 Customized Training
 Training eligibility information
 Comprehensive assessment and career planning
 Skills Upgrade & Retraining (IWT)
 On-the-Job Training
 Paid Work Experience
 Job readiness training
 Rapid Response & Layoff Aversion
 Case Management, Follow-up services
 Apprenticeship Services

23. Where Students are Going
REDI Region
Jackson State Community College 248
University of Memphis 149
University of TN-Martin 137
Dyersburg State Community College 124
Middle TN State University 95
TN Technology Center 91
Bethel University 63
Out of State 58
Austin Peay State University 41
TN State University 41
Union University 38
University of TN-Knoxville 37
Freed Hardeman University 24
University of TN-Chattanooga 23
Lane College 11
Job Fairs
Rapid Response

24. 0
2
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18
20
Percentage Unemployment Rate
REDI Region Now…..7 years later
Red Bar: March 2010 Blue Bar: June 2017
Avg. 5.3% (Current REDI Region – 5%)

25. Contact Information
REDI Director: Lisa Hankins
731-668-6450
lhankins@swtdd.org
SWTDD Director: Joe Barker
731-668-6402
jwbarker@swtdd.org